NYMTA claims millions in storm losses

Written by
Luther S. Miller, Senior Consulting Editor

The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority announced on Tuesday — the first anniversary of Tropical Storm Irene's visit to MTA's properties — that it continues to work "diligently towards maximizing recovery from all sources" for losses suffered from the storm.

MTA said it has submitted claims to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and to MTA's insurers to recover the $65 million it spent due to flood and wind damage to the regional transit infrastructure.

Among the MTA's agencies, Metro-North Railroad was worst hit with washouts on the Port Jervis Line, west of the Hudson River, and a series of mudslides on the Hudson Line, running along the Hudson's eastern shore. Metro-North's claim is approximately $27 million.

New York City Transit's claim for losses is approximately $22 million, including $8 million in overtime spent preparing for the storm. In addition, NYCT claimed $14 million in lost revenue when service was suspended for the first time ever. Long Island Rail Road losses were relatively minor.

"MTA employees in the field worked tirelessly, both to minimize damage in preparing for the storm and to make the repairs needed to restore service as quickly as possible," said MTA Chairman and CEO Joseph J. Lhota. "Then their unsung administrative counterparts stayed on top of the myriad paperwork in order to expedite our reimbursement. Completing this massive task in less than a year is a testament to their dedication. Frankly, it's a good occasion to thank the claims managers and project managers and other office workers who made this possible."